traveling Archives - TettyBetty TettyBetty Sun, 03 Apr 2022 10:17:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Liz Carlson Encourages Other Women to Travel Solo https://tettybetty.com/liz-carlson-encourages-other-women-to-travel-solo/ Sat, 09 Apr 2022 17:11:00 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=34483 If there’s one thing we’re missing in these uncertain times, it’s international travel. As we get used to a new normal, we test the waters when it comes to new traveling experiences. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, traveler preferences and behaviors have shifted toward low risk, familiar, predictable, and trusted. Travelers are […]

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]]> If there’s one thing we’re missing in these uncertain times, it’s international travel. As we get used to a new normal, we test the waters when it comes to new traveling experiences. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, traveler preferences and behaviors have shifted toward low risk, familiar, predictable, and trusted. Travelers are prioritizing independence and authenticity and require reassurance to travel safely.

However, when we finally do return to our favorite pastime, we already have a tour guide in mind. Travel blogger Liz Carlson lives up to her online moniker—the Young Adventuress. With more than a decade of traveling under her belt—and most of it alone—Carlson encourages other women to try independent traveling.

In fact, she even has a blog post, scratch that—a manifesto—about it. “Without sounding incredibly cheesy, I think my happiest moments are when I get emails and messages from readers asking advice about traveling the world, alone, female or otherwise,” says Carlson.

The first thing you should take in mind is that it’s not half as scary as you might think. “For the number of times I legitimately felt in danger, I can give you 1000 examples of beautiful, friendly, and unique moments that surprised me to no end while traveling,” she writes.

With more than 200k followers on Instagram, people are clearly taking note.

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]]> Jenny Anderson’s Lifestyle is Filled with Adventure https://tettybetty.com/jenny-andersons-lifestyle-is-filled-with-adventure/ Sat, 12 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35297 With a moniker like Girl of 10,000 Lakes, you can expect to see plenty of water-based travels on Jenny Anderson’s Instagram page. A seasoned traveler, Anderson has an active life filled with adventure to the brim. Traveling full time with her partner and child, her vacations revolve around water and fishing. There is also plenty […]

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]]> With a moniker like Girl of 10,000 Lakes, you can expect to see plenty of water-based travels on Jenny Anderson’s Instagram page. A seasoned traveler, Anderson has an active life filled with adventure to the brim.

Traveling full time with her partner and child, her vacations revolve around water and fishing. There is also plenty of hikes and camping. “My goal is to evoke inspiration and wonder through the beauty of the great outdoors,” she writes on her website. And with well over 16,000 followers on Instagram, a growing number of people seem to be taking note.

Incredibly enough, Anderson’s love for the great outdoors wasn’t instilled in her early on, but rather came as she matured. “That’s why no matter your experience level, I encourage you to to take more detours, step outside your comfort zone, and try something new outdoors,” she explains on her website.

One of her top recommendations is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. “I think everyone should experience the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness at least once in their lifetime,” she stressed, “and if you can, do it with an outfitter. Whether it’s the pristine waters or secluded wilderness, the call of loons, eagles soaring above, the milkiest of milky ways or the fantastic fishing—there are so many reasons Nick and I go back several times every year.”

The post Jenny Anderson’s Lifestyle is Filled with Adventure appeared first on TettyBetty.

]]> Plan Your Next Vacation With This Duo: Compass and Fork https://tettybetty.com/plan-your-next-vacation-with-this-duo-compass-and-fork/ Thu, 22 Apr 2021 06:02:00 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=36817 This past year has been a challenge, no doubt about it. During the pandemic, there have been few zero-risk activities. Two things we missed profoundly were eating out and traveling. Now, as we slowly test the waters, we can finally look forward to that next well-deserved vacation. We might as well “hire” food and travel bloggers […]

The post Plan Your Next Vacation With This Duo: Compass and Fork appeared first on TettyBetty.

]]> This past year has been a challenge, no doubt about it. During the pandemic, there have been few zero-risk activities. Two things we missed profoundly were eating out and traveling. Now, as we slowly test the waters, we can finally look forward to that next well-deserved vacation.

We might as well “hire” food and travel bloggers Mark And Elizabeth Rudd as our guides. The two have founded the brand and blog Compass & Fork where they share their travel tips and dining experiences with a growing audience (so far, on Instagram alone they have well over 14,000 followers).

Together, the avid travelers have visited over 50 countries over a period of 40 years, worked in about ten, and still have a wish list of places they’ve yet to visit.

“We both traveled extensively for work in our corporate roles as well,” the couple shared in a chat with Travel Awaits. “After the kids were older, we decided it was time to travel more and see some of those places we had always dreamed of visiting.”

Fans of slow traveling, they explore each destination in depth. This means for a minimum of a month they update their site with content and posts about the same country.

“We tend to be independent, active travelers,” they note. “Our travel style is affordable luxury. You won’t find hostels or budget travel, but you’ll find great value, unique accommodation, and experiences.”

Their website includes resources like recipes, health tips, and travel guides, with helpful posts including How to Save Money on Your Trip To Vietnam and How to Find the Best Local Experiences in Latin America. We can’t wait to pack our suitcases, prepare our napkins, and hit the road!

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]]> This Influencer Left Her Career in Finance to Travel Full Time https://tettybetty.com/this-influencer-left-her-career-in-finance-to-travel-full-time/ Mon, 14 Dec 2020 06:41:20 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35800 “If you told me 5 years ago: Elona, you’re about to leave your career in finance, travel to some 60 countries and meet your best friends and travel with them, too,” writes philanthropist and luxury travel blogger⁣ Elona Karafin. “If you told me this 5 years ago … I’d say you’re out of your mind.” […]

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]]> “If you told me 5 years ago: Elona, you’re about to leave your career in finance, travel to some 60 countries and meet your best friends and travel with them, too,” writes philanthropist and luxury travel blogger⁣ Elona Karafin. “If you told me this 5 years ago … I’d say you’re out of your mind.”

A seasoned traveler and Instagram influencer, it’s Karafin’s candid approach to both life and travel that makes her content worth following.

Treating traveling not only as “time off” but also as a self-development tool, Karafin’s posts and accompanying photos provide insight into other cultures and people, and how she treats the world around her with affection and care.

A cancer survivor, Karafin also leads various philanthropic initiatives to help children in underserved communities, and runs a charity for underprivileged kids with cancer.

“Traveling alone takes resilience and an open mind,” she writes on her website. “It takes courage and stepping out of your comfort zone.” But although challenging, Karafin hopes to show others how experiencing other cultures is worthwhile and ultimately life changing.

“I’m so grateful for this life that I get to call my own,” she writes. “What a blessing to be alive.”

Through her posts, she encourages others to have an open heart and mind when it comes to traveling. “You’d be shocked to discover how different your surroundings are when you see them through your own lenses without anyone else’s two cents,” she wrote in one post.

This is exactly the kind of uplifting content we want in our feed!

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]]> Candace Rose Rardon Experiences the World in Watercolor https://tettybetty.com/candace-rose-rardon-experiences-the-world-in-watercolor/ Fri, 11 Dec 2020 14:42:21 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35910 Experts agree that tourism is one of the most directly affected sectors due to the pandemic, with global tourism hit hard throughout 2020 and beyond. But being the optimists that we are, we try looking for a silver lining. And if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to make the most of every single moment, […]

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]]> Experts agree that tourism is one of the most directly affected sectors due to the pandemic, with global tourism hit hard throughout 2020 and beyond. But being the optimists that we are, we try looking for a silver lining.

And if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to make the most of every single moment, and not take for granted the freedoms that we still have.

Until international travel is again permitted—and safe—we’ve found ourselves a temporary residence: Candace Rose Rardon’s Instagram page.

A travel writer and sketch artist, Rardon describes herself as an unofficial cultural anthropologist, inspired by the many cultures she visits around the world (at least when traveling is possible).

But unlike other travel influencers, Rardon chooses a unique medium through which she documents her travels: illustrating. Traveling with a sketchbook and a set of watercolors, she brings to life the places and people she meets along the way.

“At the beginning, I pursued my passion for world cultures through writing,” she explains on her website. “I earned my Master’s in Travel Writing with distinction from London’s Kingston University, before writing for a variety of publications.”

Originally from the state of Virginia, Rardon has spent more than a decade traveling and living abroad, in cultures like India, New Zealand, and Uruguay. “Travel can change us, send us off in new directions,” she stresses. “And—sometimes when we least expect it—help us feel at home.”

The post Candace Rose Rardon Experiences the World in Watercolor appeared first on TettyBetty.

]]> Travel Influencer Francesca Murray Keeps It Real https://tettybetty.com/travel-influencer-francesca-murray-keeps-it-real/ Sun, 29 Nov 2020 06:00:08 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35793 Remember a time, not long ago, that we would board on a plane and travel for travel’s sake only? We can’t either. These days, we get out wanderlust fix mainly from Instagram. Our recent go-to is California-based travel influencer, Francesca Murray. With almost 50k followers on Instagram, Murray has a solid audience, the majority being […]

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]]> Remember a time, not long ago, that we would board on a plane and travel for travel’s sake only? We can’t either. These days, we get out wanderlust fix mainly from Instagram. Our recent go-to is California-based travel influencer, Francesca Murray.

With almost 50k followers on Instagram, Murray has a solid audience, the majority being millennial women from the United States. A proud Afro-Latina with Honduran Garifuna roots, Murray is passionate about traveling—at least when traveling is possible.

Fluent in French and conversational in Spanish, she runs a travel blog titled One Girl One World, where she shares more of her experiences (the stories behind her viral photos on Instagram). Recent posts include a guide to Planning the Perfect Girl’s Trip to Barbados and How to Get Paid to Teach English Abroad.

“Life is a journey, and I’m excited to help you live yours out loud!” she writes on her website. “Be it finally embracing your natural curls, perfecting you skincare routine, or traveling solo for the first time—you’ll be sure to find the inspiration and resources you need right here.”

These days, you can catch her exploring more corners in the US, road tripping, and sharing her thoughts and recommendations online.

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]]> Bret Love and Mary Gabbett Will Introduce You to Ecotourism https://tettybetty.com/bret-love-and-mary-gabbett-will-introduce-you-to-ecotourism/ Tue, 24 Nov 2020 09:09:00 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35786 Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), ecotourism can be defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”. With an emphasis on environmental awareness, ecotourism promotes greater understanding and appreciation for nature, local society, and […]

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]]> Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), ecotourism can be defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”.

With an emphasis on environmental awareness, ecotourism promotes greater understanding and appreciation for nature, local society, and culture. But with so many platforms offering insight into the now trendy phenomena, it’s easy to get lost.

A good starting point can be Bret Love and Mary Gabbett’s online platform, Global Travel. From trekking to see Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda to cruising the Galapagos Islands, the couple shares transformative travel experiences that make a positive impact (while also being very much Instagramable).

“We believe that Ecotourism—responsible travel that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people—is the future of travel,” they write on their website. “Our mission is to share our deep love for Ecotourism adventures, inspire people to travel and live more sustainably, and encourage everyone to do their part to make the world a better place.”

Recent travels include Costa Rica and Greece. “A growing number of people genuinely want to be responsible travelers now,” write the seasoned travelers. “They (and you, since you’re reading this story!) are making concerted efforts to learn how to travel more ethically and sustainably.”

When we return to traveling, their website will surely be our first stop!

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]]> Want to Give Back to the Community? Why Not Volunteer Travel https://tettybetty.com/want-to-give-back-to-the-community-why-not-volunteer-travel/ Mon, 23 Nov 2020 08:42:00 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35781 Volunteer tourism is a way of fulfilling the desire to visit, experience a place, and then give back to its community. Driven by a desire to understand the place they are visiting, many tourists are seeking more hands-on travel opportunities. The benefits of volunteer traveling are manyfold ranging from very personal goals to intercultural, academic, […]

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]]> Volunteer tourism is a way of fulfilling the desire to visit, experience a place, and then give back to its community. Driven by a desire to understand the place they are visiting, many tourists are seeking more hands-on travel opportunities. The benefits of volunteer traveling are manyfold ranging from very personal goals to intercultural, academic, and professional development growth opportunities.

But with countless volunteer programs, it’s easy to get lost. Recently, we’ve come across the for-profit tech company and online platform, GivingWay. According to the company, they aim to connect volunteers with non-profits on the ground for free, so non-profits can clearly communicate their wishes, and volunteers can direct their contribution where most needed.

The company receives a commission on transactions that run through their platform, such as volunteering fees paid to nonprofits and donations made through their system, so hopefully—everyone wins.

“We believe great businesses can drive impact on a very wide scale, and we are working hard to achieve this,” write GivingWay on their website. “Alright, it’s not just about hard work… we also happen to LOVE what we do,” they note.

And with restrictions of travel, their platform also provides other options such as volunteering from home, donating funds or setting up a fundraising page in ways that maximize efficiency and impact. Follow them on social media, or head to their website for more info.

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]]> Experience a Different Kind of Traveling with I Like Local https://tettybetty.com/experience-a-different-kind-of-traveling-with-i-like-local/ Sun, 22 Nov 2020 09:37:00 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35690 The ways in which we experience a place and a culture change depending on our point of view. There’s a huge difference between traveling like a visitor to a foreign country and traveling like a native-born. Indeed, visiting a place with the intention of learning it inside-out, makes for a more meaningful experience. I Like […]

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]]> The ways in which we experience a place and a culture change depending on our point of view. There’s a huge difference between traveling like a visitor to a foreign country and traveling like a native-born. Indeed, visiting a place with the intention of learning it inside-out, makes for a more meaningful experience.

I Like Local aims to bridge the gap between cultures, bringing people together so as to create deeper connections and lasting memories. The online platform is a responsible travel marketplace that allows travelers to directly connect with locals and book authentic stays and experiences, making the switch between traveling like a tourist to traveling like a local.

“We’re not a traditional company,” reads their website. “We are a company with new principles that prepares for a different, more sustainable way of doing business.” According to their website, their aim is to connect people from different cultures and different walks of life so as to leave a positive footprint and create value for both tourists and locals.

“We believe in the transformational power of travel,” the write. “Immersing in the life of locals facilitates better understanding and gives travelers a new perspective.” According to their website, 100% of the money asked by local hosts is paid to them, offering locals a sustainable way to earn money and provide travelers with in-depth travel experiences.

Their goal—more inclusive tourism—means contributing to making rural territories more accessible for both locals and visitors of different generations and different access needs, thus providing a better quality of life for all.

This is one company we can actually stand behind!

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]]> Explore Sustainable Travel Options with the Green Suitcase Traveler https://tettybetty.com/explore-sustainable-travel-options-with-the-green-suitcase-traveler/ Sat, 21 Nov 2020 14:17:00 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35683 The World Tourism Organization describes sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.” But to Misty Foster (aka the Green Suitcase Traveler), sustainable travel is more than making “eco-friendly” choices. “It’s about preserving the […]

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]]> The World Tourism Organization describes sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.”

But to Misty Foster (aka the Green Suitcase Traveler), sustainable travel is more than making “eco-friendly” choices. “It’s about preserving the culture, people, and resources of a place; for present and future generations,” she explains on her website. “Having the most authentic experience you can, while also being mindful in the way you move through the world.”

This means that tourism is not only ethical in intention but also environmentally responsible—something to take into account as we look forward to traveling in the days after COVID. According to Foster, taking action towards a more sustainable living can be as small as carrying a water bottle instead of buying one. It can also mean selecting tour operators who protect wildlife.

Her website will help you select activities that suit your personality and leave a lasting impression—anything from pre-planned itineraries to self-guided exploration. “God knows what our future adventures will look like,” wrote Foster in a recent Instagram post, candidly, “but I have some ideas and I know several other thought leaders in the travel space do too.”

The first step: being conscious that our interactions can influence the environment and the people we connect with. Follow the Green Suitcase Traveler for more insight.

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]]> ersion="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> traveling Archives - TettyBetty TettyBetty Sun, 03 Apr 2022 10:17:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Liz Carlson Encourages Other Women to Travel Solo https://tettybetty.com/liz-carlson-encourages-other-women-to-travel-solo/ Sat, 09 Apr 2022 17:11:00 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=34483 If there’s one thing we’re missing in these uncertain times, it’s international travel. As we get used to a new normal, we test the waters when it comes to new traveling experiences. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, traveler preferences and behaviors have shifted toward low risk, familiar, predictable, and trusted. Travelers are […]

The post Liz Carlson Encourages Other Women to Travel Solo appeared first on TettyBetty.

]]> If there’s one thing we’re missing in these uncertain times, it’s international travel. As we get used to a new normal, we test the waters when it comes to new traveling experiences. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, traveler preferences and behaviors have shifted toward low risk, familiar, predictable, and trusted. Travelers are prioritizing independence and authenticity and require reassurance to travel safely.

However, when we finally do return to our favorite pastime, we already have a tour guide in mind. Travel blogger Liz Carlson lives up to her online moniker—the Young Adventuress. With more than a decade of traveling under her belt—and most of it alone—Carlson encourages other women to try independent traveling.

In fact, she even has a blog post, scratch that—a manifesto—about it. “Without sounding incredibly cheesy, I think my happiest moments are when I get emails and messages from readers asking advice about traveling the world, alone, female or otherwise,” says Carlson.

The first thing you should take in mind is that it’s not half as scary as you might think. “For the number of times I legitimately felt in danger, I can give you 1000 examples of beautiful, friendly, and unique moments that surprised me to no end while traveling,” she writes.

With more than 200k followers on Instagram, people are clearly taking note.

The post Liz Carlson Encourages Other Women to Travel Solo appeared first on TettyBetty.

]]> Jenny Anderson’s Lifestyle is Filled with Adventure https://tettybetty.com/jenny-andersons-lifestyle-is-filled-with-adventure/ Sat, 12 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35297 With a moniker like Girl of 10,000 Lakes, you can expect to see plenty of water-based travels on Jenny Anderson’s Instagram page. A seasoned traveler, Anderson has an active life filled with adventure to the brim. Traveling full time with her partner and child, her vacations revolve around water and fishing. There is also plenty […]

The post Jenny Anderson’s Lifestyle is Filled with Adventure appeared first on TettyBetty.

]]> With a moniker like Girl of 10,000 Lakes, you can expect to see plenty of water-based travels on Jenny Anderson’s Instagram page. A seasoned traveler, Anderson has an active life filled with adventure to the brim.

Traveling full time with her partner and child, her vacations revolve around water and fishing. There is also plenty of hikes and camping. “My goal is to evoke inspiration and wonder through the beauty of the great outdoors,” she writes on her website. And with well over 16,000 followers on Instagram, a growing number of people seem to be taking note.

Incredibly enough, Anderson’s love for the great outdoors wasn’t instilled in her early on, but rather came as she matured. “That’s why no matter your experience level, I encourage you to to take more detours, step outside your comfort zone, and try something new outdoors,” she explains on her website.

One of her top recommendations is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. “I think everyone should experience the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness at least once in their lifetime,” she stressed, “and if you can, do it with an outfitter. Whether it’s the pristine waters or secluded wilderness, the call of loons, eagles soaring above, the milkiest of milky ways or the fantastic fishing—there are so many reasons Nick and I go back several times every year.”

The post Jenny Anderson’s Lifestyle is Filled with Adventure appeared first on TettyBetty.

]]> Plan Your Next Vacation With This Duo: Compass and Fork https://tettybetty.com/plan-your-next-vacation-with-this-duo-compass-and-fork/ Thu, 22 Apr 2021 06:02:00 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=36817 This past year has been a challenge, no doubt about it. During the pandemic, there have been few zero-risk activities. Two things we missed profoundly were eating out and traveling. Now, as we slowly test the waters, we can finally look forward to that next well-deserved vacation. We might as well “hire” food and travel bloggers […]

The post Plan Your Next Vacation With This Duo: Compass and Fork appeared first on TettyBetty.

]]> This past year has been a challenge, no doubt about it. During the pandemic, there have been few zero-risk activities. Two things we missed profoundly were eating out and traveling. Now, as we slowly test the waters, we can finally look forward to that next well-deserved vacation.

We might as well “hire” food and travel bloggers Mark And Elizabeth Rudd as our guides. The two have founded the brand and blog Compass & Fork where they share their travel tips and dining experiences with a growing audience (so far, on Instagram alone they have well over 14,000 followers).

Together, the avid travelers have visited over 50 countries over a period of 40 years, worked in about ten, and still have a wish list of places they’ve yet to visit.

“We both traveled extensively for work in our corporate roles as well,” the couple shared in a chat with Travel Awaits. “After the kids were older, we decided it was time to travel more and see some of those places we had always dreamed of visiting.”

Fans of slow traveling, they explore each destination in depth. This means for a minimum of a month they update their site with content and posts about the same country.

“We tend to be independent, active travelers,” they note. “Our travel style is affordable luxury. You won’t find hostels or budget travel, but you’ll find great value, unique accommodation, and experiences.”

Their website includes resources like recipes, health tips, and travel guides, with helpful posts including How to Save Money on Your Trip To Vietnam and How to Find the Best Local Experiences in Latin America. We can’t wait to pack our suitcases, prepare our napkins, and hit the road!

The post Plan Your Next Vacation With This Duo: Compass and Fork appeared first on TettyBetty.

]]> This Influencer Left Her Career in Finance to Travel Full Time https://tettybetty.com/this-influencer-left-her-career-in-finance-to-travel-full-time/ Mon, 14 Dec 2020 06:41:20 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35800 “If you told me 5 years ago: Elona, you’re about to leave your career in finance, travel to some 60 countries and meet your best friends and travel with them, too,” writes philanthropist and luxury travel blogger⁣ Elona Karafin. “If you told me this 5 years ago … I’d say you’re out of your mind.” […]

The post This Influencer Left Her Career in Finance to Travel Full Time appeared first on TettyBetty.

]]> “If you told me 5 years ago: Elona, you’re about to leave your career in finance, travel to some 60 countries and meet your best friends and travel with them, too,” writes philanthropist and luxury travel blogger⁣ Elona Karafin. “If you told me this 5 years ago … I’d say you’re out of your mind.”

A seasoned traveler and Instagram influencer, it’s Karafin’s candid approach to both life and travel that makes her content worth following.

Treating traveling not only as “time off” but also as a self-development tool, Karafin’s posts and accompanying photos provide insight into other cultures and people, and how she treats the world around her with affection and care.

A cancer survivor, Karafin also leads various philanthropic initiatives to help children in underserved communities, and runs a charity for underprivileged kids with cancer.

“Traveling alone takes resilience and an open mind,” she writes on her website. “It takes courage and stepping out of your comfort zone.” But although challenging, Karafin hopes to show others how experiencing other cultures is worthwhile and ultimately life changing.

“I’m so grateful for this life that I get to call my own,” she writes. “What a blessing to be alive.”

Through her posts, she encourages others to have an open heart and mind when it comes to traveling. “You’d be shocked to discover how different your surroundings are when you see them through your own lenses without anyone else’s two cents,” she wrote in one post.

This is exactly the kind of uplifting content we want in our feed!

The post This Influencer Left Her Career in Finance to Travel Full Time appeared first on TettyBetty.

]]> Candace Rose Rardon Experiences the World in Watercolor https://tettybetty.com/candace-rose-rardon-experiences-the-world-in-watercolor/ Fri, 11 Dec 2020 14:42:21 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35910 Experts agree that tourism is one of the most directly affected sectors due to the pandemic, with global tourism hit hard throughout 2020 and beyond. But being the optimists that we are, we try looking for a silver lining. And if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to make the most of every single moment, […]

The post Candace Rose Rardon Experiences the World in Watercolor appeared first on TettyBetty.

]]> Experts agree that tourism is one of the most directly affected sectors due to the pandemic, with global tourism hit hard throughout 2020 and beyond. But being the optimists that we are, we try looking for a silver lining.

And if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to make the most of every single moment, and not take for granted the freedoms that we still have.

Until international travel is again permitted—and safe—we’ve found ourselves a temporary residence: Candace Rose Rardon’s Instagram page.

A travel writer and sketch artist, Rardon describes herself as an unofficial cultural anthropologist, inspired by the many cultures she visits around the world (at least when traveling is possible).

But unlike other travel influencers, Rardon chooses a unique medium through which she documents her travels: illustrating. Traveling with a sketchbook and a set of watercolors, she brings to life the places and people she meets along the way.

“At the beginning, I pursued my passion for world cultures through writing,” she explains on her website. “I earned my Master’s in Travel Writing with distinction from London’s Kingston University, before writing for a variety of publications.”

Originally from the state of Virginia, Rardon has spent more than a decade traveling and living abroad, in cultures like India, New Zealand, and Uruguay. “Travel can change us, send us off in new directions,” she stresses. “And—sometimes when we least expect it—help us feel at home.”

The post Candace Rose Rardon Experiences the World in Watercolor appeared first on TettyBetty.

]]> Travel Influencer Francesca Murray Keeps It Real https://tettybetty.com/travel-influencer-francesca-murray-keeps-it-real/ Sun, 29 Nov 2020 06:00:08 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35793 Remember a time, not long ago, that we would board on a plane and travel for travel’s sake only? We can’t either. These days, we get out wanderlust fix mainly from Instagram. Our recent go-to is California-based travel influencer, Francesca Murray. With almost 50k followers on Instagram, Murray has a solid audience, the majority being […]

The post Travel Influencer Francesca Murray Keeps It Real appeared first on TettyBetty.

]]> Remember a time, not long ago, that we would board on a plane and travel for travel’s sake only? We can’t either. These days, we get out wanderlust fix mainly from Instagram. Our recent go-to is California-based travel influencer, Francesca Murray.

With almost 50k followers on Instagram, Murray has a solid audience, the majority being millennial women from the United States. A proud Afro-Latina with Honduran Garifuna roots, Murray is passionate about traveling—at least when traveling is possible.

Fluent in French and conversational in Spanish, she runs a travel blog titled One Girl One World, where she shares more of her experiences (the stories behind her viral photos on Instagram). Recent posts include a guide to Planning the Perfect Girl’s Trip to Barbados and How to Get Paid to Teach English Abroad.

“Life is a journey, and I’m excited to help you live yours out loud!” she writes on her website. “Be it finally embracing your natural curls, perfecting you skincare routine, or traveling solo for the first time—you’ll be sure to find the inspiration and resources you need right here.”

These days, you can catch her exploring more corners in the US, road tripping, and sharing her thoughts and recommendations online.

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]]> Bret Love and Mary Gabbett Will Introduce You to Ecotourism https://tettybetty.com/bret-love-and-mary-gabbett-will-introduce-you-to-ecotourism/ Tue, 24 Nov 2020 09:09:00 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35786 Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), ecotourism can be defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”. With an emphasis on environmental awareness, ecotourism promotes greater understanding and appreciation for nature, local society, and […]

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]]> Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), ecotourism can be defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”.

With an emphasis on environmental awareness, ecotourism promotes greater understanding and appreciation for nature, local society, and culture. But with so many platforms offering insight into the now trendy phenomena, it’s easy to get lost.

A good starting point can be Bret Love and Mary Gabbett’s online platform, Global Travel. From trekking to see Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda to cruising the Galapagos Islands, the couple shares transformative travel experiences that make a positive impact (while also being very much Instagramable).

“We believe that Ecotourism—responsible travel that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people—is the future of travel,” they write on their website. “Our mission is to share our deep love for Ecotourism adventures, inspire people to travel and live more sustainably, and encourage everyone to do their part to make the world a better place.”

Recent travels include Costa Rica and Greece. “A growing number of people genuinely want to be responsible travelers now,” write the seasoned travelers. “They (and you, since you’re reading this story!) are making concerted efforts to learn how to travel more ethically and sustainably.”

When we return to traveling, their website will surely be our first stop!

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]]> Want to Give Back to the Community? Why Not Volunteer Travel https://tettybetty.com/want-to-give-back-to-the-community-why-not-volunteer-travel/ Mon, 23 Nov 2020 08:42:00 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35781 Volunteer tourism is a way of fulfilling the desire to visit, experience a place, and then give back to its community. Driven by a desire to understand the place they are visiting, many tourists are seeking more hands-on travel opportunities. The benefits of volunteer traveling are manyfold ranging from very personal goals to intercultural, academic, […]

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]]> Volunteer tourism is a way of fulfilling the desire to visit, experience a place, and then give back to its community. Driven by a desire to understand the place they are visiting, many tourists are seeking more hands-on travel opportunities. The benefits of volunteer traveling are manyfold ranging from very personal goals to intercultural, academic, and professional development growth opportunities.

But with countless volunteer programs, it’s easy to get lost. Recently, we’ve come across the for-profit tech company and online platform, GivingWay. According to the company, they aim to connect volunteers with non-profits on the ground for free, so non-profits can clearly communicate their wishes, and volunteers can direct their contribution where most needed.

The company receives a commission on transactions that run through their platform, such as volunteering fees paid to nonprofits and donations made through their system, so hopefully—everyone wins.

“We believe great businesses can drive impact on a very wide scale, and we are working hard to achieve this,” write GivingWay on their website. “Alright, it’s not just about hard work… we also happen to LOVE what we do,” they note.

And with restrictions of travel, their platform also provides other options such as volunteering from home, donating funds or setting up a fundraising page in ways that maximize efficiency and impact. Follow them on social media, or head to their website for more info.

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]]> Experience a Different Kind of Traveling with I Like Local https://tettybetty.com/experience-a-different-kind-of-traveling-with-i-like-local/ Sun, 22 Nov 2020 09:37:00 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35690 The ways in which we experience a place and a culture change depending on our point of view. There’s a huge difference between traveling like a visitor to a foreign country and traveling like a native-born. Indeed, visiting a place with the intention of learning it inside-out, makes for a more meaningful experience. I Like […]

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]]> The ways in which we experience a place and a culture change depending on our point of view. There’s a huge difference between traveling like a visitor to a foreign country and traveling like a native-born. Indeed, visiting a place with the intention of learning it inside-out, makes for a more meaningful experience.

I Like Local aims to bridge the gap between cultures, bringing people together so as to create deeper connections and lasting memories. The online platform is a responsible travel marketplace that allows travelers to directly connect with locals and book authentic stays and experiences, making the switch between traveling like a tourist to traveling like a local.

“We’re not a traditional company,” reads their website. “We are a company with new principles that prepares for a different, more sustainable way of doing business.” According to their website, their aim is to connect people from different cultures and different walks of life so as to leave a positive footprint and create value for both tourists and locals.

“We believe in the transformational power of travel,” the write. “Immersing in the life of locals facilitates better understanding and gives travelers a new perspective.” According to their website, 100% of the money asked by local hosts is paid to them, offering locals a sustainable way to earn money and provide travelers with in-depth travel experiences.

Their goal—more inclusive tourism—means contributing to making rural territories more accessible for both locals and visitors of different generations and different access needs, thus providing a better quality of life for all.

This is one company we can actually stand behind!

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]]> Explore Sustainable Travel Options with the Green Suitcase Traveler https://tettybetty.com/explore-sustainable-travel-options-with-the-green-suitcase-traveler/ Sat, 21 Nov 2020 14:17:00 +0000 https://tettybetty.com/?p=35683 The World Tourism Organization describes sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.” But to Misty Foster (aka the Green Suitcase Traveler), sustainable travel is more than making “eco-friendly” choices. “It’s about preserving the […]

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]]> The World Tourism Organization describes sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.”

But to Misty Foster (aka the Green Suitcase Traveler), sustainable travel is more than making “eco-friendly” choices. “It’s about preserving the culture, people, and resources of a place; for present and future generations,” she explains on her website. “Having the most authentic experience you can, while also being mindful in the way you move through the world.”

This means that tourism is not only ethical in intention but also environmentally responsible—something to take into account as we look forward to traveling in the days after COVID. According to Foster, taking action towards a more sustainable living can be as small as carrying a water bottle instead of buying one. It can also mean selecting tour operators who protect wildlife.

Her website will help you select activities that suit your personality and leave a lasting impression—anything from pre-planned itineraries to self-guided exploration. “God knows what our future adventures will look like,” wrote Foster in a recent Instagram post, candidly, “but I have some ideas and I know several other thought leaders in the travel space do too.”

The first step: being conscious that our interactions can influence the environment and the people we connect with. Follow the Green Suitcase Traveler for more insight.

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